November 2017 #5. You wait ages for a baby, then 3 come along at once. Ante/post-natal chat ...

[Zampa]

No specific post-natal category so I've added it to the normal ante-natal category ...

Ladies - how do you encourage your lo to do the big gapey mouth thing, before latching on?

My main issue is that my nipple isn't going as far back into her mouth as it should, hence some of the pain, I think.

@zampa l line up my nipple with his nose/top lip and tickle him with it to get him to open wide! Apparently the same works with bottom lip but not for my DS 🤔

@GingerHanna you look so well on your picture! I have huge dark circles under my eyes, I would have to beautify myself before posting a picture lol!

@Zampa - I also aim the nipple to the roof of his mouth and with my hand on the back of his head bring nipple and mouth together with reasonable gusto.

@theotherendofthesockportal Haha! You can’t see them through the glasses!

First night on formula feeding and Felicity was so much better. Still awake lots and reluctant to be put back down in her crib, but instantly calmer and without the incessant screaming (probably because I was much calmer). I even caught a bit of sleep between feeds.

I feel a bit guilty about giving up on breastfeeding so soon (only managed 9 days ) but I know we couldn't have continued as things were going.

@GingerHanna you look great! I just tried that out with my glasses and you can still see the dark circles, there's no hiding these

Glad you had a better night @AccrualIntentions. Each night will improve as Felicity gets used to the formula & having a full tummy. Don’t feel bad for a second about giving up breastfeeding. She got the colostrum which is the best bit & every day after that is a bonus. You have to do what is best for all of you. Most important thing is that she is fed. I only managed 5 days with DS & 1 with Iris.

Good luck @AGnu. Hope you are soon enjoying cuddles with your newborn.

@Zampa I could have 3 tablets a day of the ones I had. Peppermint tea is also good, I just can’t stand the taste. With DS my mum bought me a big bag of peppermint sweets which I sucked every feed & seemed to help.

Great photo @GingerHanna. Iris is having Velcro moments several times a day. Normally 6-9am & 6-9pm. She grazes & doesn’t want to be put down. It would be ok if those are the same times that DS needs me. I’m borrowing a close caboo from DSiL but she’s waiting for a friend to give it back to her. Hoping it will help. Once I’m driving again I’m going to go to the local sling library & try a few different ones.

Those of you that have had a c section this time or before, when did you start driving again? I waited until 5 weeks with DS but probably could have driven sooner. Was thinking 4 weeks this time but thinking about giving it a try at the weekend which will be almost 3 weeks. Anyone else driven this soon?

Midwife been & gone! I was getting contractions before my parents came, then they went a bit odd & all but stopped while the MW was here. Started up again now that she's left!

Inspired by @GingerHanna here is a picture of me and Bea. I look like a child myself, complete with dark circles.

@AGnu hope your labour/birth start to progress soon.

@Topsyloulou I’m waiting until my 6 week check to start driving again. I’m not quite mentally there yet. Although I really miss driving.

@AccrualIntentions it’s great news that you managed a bit of sleep. Be kind to yourself, you are doing your best for Felicity, and that’s all you can do.

Thank you again for your tips!

Midwife has just been and made the point that lo has a small mouth compared to my nipples so latching will probably get easier as she grows!

@Topsyloulou I drove after 4 weeks last time but feel that I'm taking a little longer to heal this time so may not be ready. If I wait for 6 weeks it'll pretty much be Christmas and I'd like to be able to drive before then - I have Christmas shopping to do!

Freddie was discharged from the midwife yesterday - he's now above his birth weight I think he's had a growth spurt as he's been taking loads of milk for the past 24 hours. He's got chubby cheeks now!

Phew, she's finally here! Longest & most painful labour of the 3 of them, & heaviest baby too! I was utterly convinced that she wasn't going to come out & I'd need a CS. She suddenly decided to come & appeared after about half an hour of pushing. DH is now running me a bath while my parents cuddle her & get the DC ready for bed. Can't believe she's 3hrs old already! Now I've just got to figure out how to stand up... Ouch!

Massive congratulations @AGnu 🤗🤗

@AGnu a massive congratulations! Have you chose a name? Enjoy your bath

Congratulations @AGnu! So happy for you. Cannot wait to see pictures. 🥂🥂🥂

Congratulations @AGnu well done!

My little one arrived last weekend and we got home on Monday. Within 8 hours I was readmitted due to complications so am really struggling without him. Feel like I’m missing out on so much.

Congratulations AGnu!
And congratulations to you too @stepupandgo, but sorry to hear you're in hospital, have they given you any idea of when you'll get home?

How is everyone doing?

I have a child that won’t sleep! She has been awake since 9.30 this morning, with one half hour cat nap. Finally got her to sleep 20 minutes ago. I think they have a developmental leap a 6 weeks - I hope this is what this is!

@theotherendofthesockportal good to know what we have to look forward to! At 3.5 weeks we have quite a lot of crying - was hoping that is just a phase too! Xx

Not sure, still in a lot of pain

@stepuoandgo I am so sorry to hear you have been parted with your LO. Do you know how much longer for? You must be heartbroken.

@stepupandgo I just wanted to offer you a hand hold. It’s sounds like you are having a tough time.

@lydiangel83 I shall keep you updated about this if a phase. I’m never sure about the milestones with Bea being 5 weeks prem. Am I supposed to adjust things by 5 weeks?

@theotherendofthesockportal I found this on the wonder weeks app. It’s in line with what I’ve read elsewhere.